Province gives cash incentives to 135 cops

CEBU, Philippines — At least 135 policemen received a cash incentive from the Capitol for successful anti-drug operations in Cebu Province resulting in the seizure of multi-million peso worth of illegal drugs in the past months.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Office (CPADAO).

CPADAO chief Ivy Durano-Meca refused to reveal the amount given to each policeman. But, she said the Capitol spent over P2 million for the incentives.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena welcomed the initiative. He said recognitions and incentives will encourage them and boost the morale of the operatives.

“It will add sa atin pong strength, sa atin pong initiative na lalo pong pagbutihin ‘yong atin pong ginagawa sa kasalukuyan, and that is to fight the menace of illegal drugs,” Abrugena said.

Aside from cash incentives, the provincial government also gave commendations to the various police stations.

The awardees include policemen from San Fernando Police Station, Borbon Police Station, Balamban Police Station, Naga Police Station, Minglanilla Police Station, Bogo Police Station, and Provincial Intelligence Branch.

The PIB scored the highest with 38 operations resulting in the confiscation of P47,493,980 worth of illegal drugs.

Governor Hilario Davide III acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the police to make Cebu peaceful. — Hannah Joy I. Yana (FREEMAN)